UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) reports a dramatic decline in the number of players permitted to use medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dropping to a record low of 54 players. This significant decrease was detailed in the annual report released Monday by Thomas M. Martin, the independent program administrator overseeing the league’s drug program.
The latest figures reveal a stark contrast to previous years, with 61 players granted exemptions last year and 119 players in 2013. This decline raises questions about the evolving landscape of ADHD treatment within professional sports.
In a year ending with the 2025 World Series, a total of 11,700 drug tests were conducted, just shy of the record 11,783 tests recorded prior to the 2023 World Series. The testing included 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples aimed at detecting Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Notably, only two tests returned positive results, leading to disciplinary actions among players on 40-man rosters.
Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves faced an 80-game suspension effective March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin, a hormone associated with testosterone production. Profar maintains that he did not knowingly ingest the banned substance. Meanwhile, José Alvarado, the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, was suspended on May 18 for a similar duration after testing positive for external testosterone, which his team attributed to a weight loss drug he took during the offseason.
Alongside the 54 Therapeutic Use Exemptions for ADHD, MLB reported one exemption each for hypertension, a sleep disorder, and a hormone function issue. These developments highlight the ongoing scrutiny of player health policies and the implications of substance use in baseball.
The drop in ADHD medication exemptions could signal a shift in league policies or treatment approaches, prompting discussions among players, coaches, and medical professionals about mental health and performance enhancement. As the league prepares for the upcoming season, stakeholders are keenly observing how these changes may impact player wellbeing and competitive integrity.
As MLB continues to navigate these complex issues, fans and analysts will be watching closely for further developments in drug policy and player health initiatives. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
